Have you ever wondered what happens if you overstay your welcome in France? Since Brexit took away our automatic right to live in EU countries, UK nationals have strict 90-day limits that catch many British citizens out. The consequences? Fines, deportation and even being banned from the entire Schengen area.
As a lawyer who has guided many British nationals through the post-Brexit maze of French immigration law, I have seen how proper planning makes all the difference between a dream move to France and a bureaucratic nightmare. Living in France is still possible for British citizens and other UK nationals - you just need to understand the new rules that apply to non-EU nationals.
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1. Your First Steps: Getting the Right French Visa
The most common question I get asked by British citizens is: "Which French visa should I apply for?" The answer is entirely dependent on your situation. Since Brexit, UK nationals wanting to stay in France beyond 90 days must get a French long-stay visa (visa de long séjour).
When moving to France from the UK, you will need to contact your local French consulate to start the application process. The French authorities will give you information on the required documentation (including your valid passport, birth and marriage certificates) and appointment scheduling.
French authorities offer several visa options:
- Visitor visa (long-stay visitor visa) - For those with stable financial resources who don't need to work
- French work visa - For those with a job offer from a French employer or approved by the French National Employment Agency
- Entrepreneur visa - For business owners and self-employed professionals
- French study visa - For those enrolled in French educational programs
- Family visa - For those joining family members already legally residing in France
If you are moving with family members, such as a spouse or dependent child, you will need to ensure they also meet the French visa requirements. The process is different compared to what EU citizens or European Free Trade Association nationals face.
UK nationals planning to take up employment in France will need to apply for the appropriate visa. This typically involves securing a French work visa, which requires a job offer from a French employer and compliance with various administrative formalities.
I recently helped a retired couple from Manchester who had purchased a lovely property in the Dordogne but were unaware they couldn't just live there full-time anymore. We got them French long-stay visas by proving they had sufficient retirement income to support themselves without working in France.
For a comprehensive guide on obtaining a long term stay visa France, including application procedures, financial requirements, and health insurance obligations, please refer to our detailed article: Critical Information to Obtain a Long Stay Visa France in 2025
2. Converting Your Visa into a French Residence Permit
Unlike many other European countries, having a valid French long-stay visa is just your entry ticket to living in France. Within 3 months of arrival, you will need to convert it into a French residence permit (carte de séjour) at your local prefecture.
British citizens who were resident in France prior to December 31, 2020, fall under the Withdrawal Agreement and have different processes for getting their Withdrawal Agreement residence permit. The Withdrawal Agreement residence permit offers certain protections for British citizens who were already living in France before Brexit was finalised.
For those moving to France from the UK now, the process for a French residency permit involves:
- Booking an appointment at your local prefecture
- Submitting your valid passport and visa
- Providing proof of your French address
- Demonstrating financial resources
- Showing health insurance coverage
- Submitting biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
I still remember helping James, a graphic designer from London who decided to move to France last year. He came to me in a panic after waiting until week 11 to start the residence permit process, only to find the earliest appointment was after his visa would expire! We contacted the prefecture directly, explained the situation and got him an emergency slot. Don't make the same mistake many British nationals make by waiting too long before your residence permit expires.
For further details on the application process for your French residency permit, the French government website offers specific guidance for UK nationals living in France.
3. Opening a French Bank Account Without Losing Your Mind
Having a French bank account is essential for living in France - it's needed for paying rent, utilities and everyday expenses. It's also required when applying for a French residence permit. However, this seemingly straightforward task can drive you mad.
Most banks require:
- Valid ID (passport)
- Proof of address in France (rental agreement or utility bill)
- Residence permit or visa
- Proof of income
- In some cases, a reference from your home bank
Many British citizens find the process frustratingly circular: you need a French address to open an account, but landlords often want a French bank account before renting to you.
One solution I've found to work is to start with banks that cater to expats, such as HSBC France or Crédit Agricole's international banking services. They often have English-speaking staff and understand the situation of UK nationals moving to France from the UK.
Also don't forget to inform UK authorities and UK government offices about your new French address so all your records are up to date.
4. Healthcare: From GHIC to Carte Vitale
Accessing healthcare is a critical aspect of living in France and requires planning. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides emergency coverage for short visits but isn't suitable for residents.
For the first year in France, British nationals typically need full private health insurance. Once you have established legal residency with a French residence permit, you can apply to join the French healthcare system (Protection Universelle Maladie or PUMa).
State pensioners should apply for an S1 form from the UK before moving to France, which allows them to access the French healthcare system while the UK pays the costs. If you're planning your retirement to France, understanding how the S1 form works and how it affects your healthcare access is especially important. You should also inquire about other UK benefits that might be affected when you move to France from the UK.
The process for getting your carte vitale (French health insurance card) can take months. In the meantime, you'll need to pay upfront for healthcare and submit forms for reimbursement.
For more information on how to apply for the carte vitale and navigate the French healthcare system, see the official French government website which has guidance specific to British citizens moving to and living in France.
5. The French Tax System: What UK Nationals Need to Know
You'll generally become a French resident for tax purposes if you spend more than 183 days in France during the tax year, have your main home in France, or conduct your main professional activity there.
As a French resident for tax purposes, you'll pay:
- Income tax (impôt sur le revenu)
- Social charges (prélèvements sociaux)
- Housing tax (taxe d'habitation)
- Property tax (taxe foncière) if you own property
France and the UK have a double taxation treaty, so you won't be taxed twice on the same income, but you may still need to file tax returns in both countries. It's also a good idea to inform UK government offices to make sure you are meeting all tax obligations in both countries.
I worked with Emma, a remote worker who kept her UK-based job while moving to France from the UK. She was shocked to discover her tax situation had become much more complicated under French law. We reviewed the double taxation agreement to determine where her income should be taxed and helped her comply with reporting requirements in both countries.
For a comprehensive overview of France inheritance tax, including rates, allowances, and planning strategies, please refer to our detailed guide: French Inheritance Tax 101
6. Driving in France: Exchanging Your UK Driving Licence
One of the most frustrating aspects of living in France is exchanging your UK driving licence for a French licence. British citizens who are resident in France must exchange their UK driving licence for a French equivalent.
You should apply for this exchange within your first year of residency. After that time, if you haven't started the process, you may be required to take a French driving test, which involves theory and practical exams in French.
The application must be made through the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) online portal, which can be tricky to navigate. You'll need to provide:
- A valid UK driving licence
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address in France
- Proof of legal residency with your French residence permit
7. Cultural Integration: More Than Just Paperwork
Legal compliance is essential but truly settling in France goes beyond paperwork; understanding and embracing French culture and the French language is equally important for British citizens moving to France. Learning the French language significantly improves your experience of living in France, making daily interactions, from shopping to medical appointments, much less stressful.
Many French government websites and local town hall (mairie) services are only in French. While translation tools can help, having a basic understanding of the language is invaluable when dealing with French authorities.
I've seen how language ability transforms the immigration experience. Those who invest in learning French not only navigate bureaucracy more easily but also form meaningful connections in their communities. Many of my clients who learn French find living in France becomes much more enjoyable compared to those who don't make the effort.
8. Becoming a French Citizen
For British nationals planning to live in France long-term, becoming a French citizen may be worth considering. The path to permanent residency and eventually a permanent residence permit typically requires five years of residence, though this can be reduced in certain circumstances, such as marrying a French national.
The benefits of French citizenship include:
- Permanent right to live and work in France
- No need to renew residence permits
- Voting rights
- Freedom to move and work throughout the EU
- Ability to pass citizenship to children born outside France
The application process for French citizenship requires demonstrating integration into French society, including adequate language skills (usually level B1), knowledge of French culture and history, and commitment to French values. You'll submit your application through your local prefecture.
9. Beyond Brexit: New Border Controls Coming Soon
The EU is introducing new entry/exit systems that will affect UK nationals visiting or living in France after Brexit:
- The Entry/Exit System (EES) will launch in October 2025, automating border checks with biometric data collection
- The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will follow in late 2026, requiring pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors who wish to visit France
These systems will more strictly enforce the 90/180-day Schengen visa rules for non-residents, so proper visa compliance is even more important for British citizens.
10. Learning From Those Who've Made the Move
Emma and Tom, a couple from the UK, contacted me after falling in love with a property in the Dordogne. They initially planned to split their time between the UK and France, spending just under 90 days at a time in France to avoid visa requirements.
However, they soon realised this would severely limit their enjoyment of their new home, especially during the summer when they wanted to stay longer. We helped them apply for long-stay visitor visas and guided them through the residence permit process.
When Emma needed to return to the UK for family reasons, we had to carefully track her days in both countries to ensure she didn't jeopardise her French residency status while still meeting her UK obligations.
Their case shows how immigration planning must adapt to your personal circumstances and may evolve over time as a French resident.
11. Final Thoughts: Planning Makes Perfect
The days of hopping between the UK and France without a second thought are over. But with proper planning, understanding of the rules, and sometimes professional guidance, UK nationals can still make a successful move to France from the UK.
What separates those who thrive from those who struggle is usually foresight and preparation. Start your planning early, understand your visa options, and build in extra time for administrative processes.
France is still a wonderful place to live, with its culture, healthcare and quality of life. The path may be more complicated after Brexit, but for many of my clients, it's still worth every form they fill out.
